Port na bPúcaí, a new album released on the Gael Linn label, features Seán Ó Riada’s final concert recording from May 1971, just five months before his untimely death at the age of 40.

Further previously unreleased tracks were recorded in March 1971, while others date from 1966.

On this album, Ó Riada weaves a magic spell with his own arrangements of great Irish airs played on piano and harpsichord.

A 12-page booklet gives background notes to all tracks

In an album which contains his personal favourites, Ó Riada plays a selection great airs, including Do Bhí Bean Uasal, Carraig Donn and Sliabh na mBan, as well as several airs which Ó Riada himself first introduced to Irish audiences, such as Aisling Gheal, Port na bPúcaí and Cois an Ghaorthaigh. The album also contains a stirring sequence of patriotic tunes, while on a bonus track Ó Riada relates an episode from Macroom’s history.

Port na bPúcaí is an important contribution to the canon of recorded works of Seán Ó Riada who played a major role in the popularisation of Irish music in the twentieth century. Through his film scores Mise Éire and Saoirse? and recordings with his group Ceoltóirí Chualann, Seán Ó Riada re-ignited the spirit of the nation.

View the full track listing and purchase Port na bPucaí on www.gael-linn.ie.